The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) recently opened its 2025 scholarship application process, offering a valuable opportunity for students pursuing a career in the collision repair industry. Beyond providing financial aid, CREF plays a vital role in attracting new talent, supporting industry education programs and connecting students with employment opportunities.
Brandon Eckenrode, executive director of CREF, shared insights with Autobody News on how local shops can get involved and help shape the next generation of collision repair professionals.
Scholarships Designed to Empower Future Technicians
CREF’s scholarship program is a game changer for high school seniors and college students studying collision repair. The program offers a range of awards, including tool grants and scholarships tailored to different eligibility criteria.
“We want to remove as many financial barriers as possible for students entering this $180 billion automotive aftermarket industry,” Eckenrode said.
Eligibility Criteria for CREF Scholarships
• High School Students: Must be seniors graduating in the spring/summer of the applying year and planning to attend a college collision program or enter the industry immediately after graduation.
• College Students: Must be current students in a collision repair program or planning to begin in the summer/fall of the applying year.
• Military Applicants: Veterans or current military members studying collision repair are eligible to apply, as well as students with immediate family members who have served in the military.
CREF has also partnered with the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) to offer scholarships to empower women to join the collision repair industry.
“The WIN scholarship is an incredible opportunity to support and empower women pursuing careers in this field. It’s about ensuring the industry reflects the diversity of talent available,” Eckenrode said.
Attracting New Talent to a Growing Industry
CREF’s mission revolves around three core pillars: Attract, Support and Employment. With 950 collision school programs across the U.S., there is a pressing need to attract more students to these programs.
Eckenrode said CREF is working to educate students and educators about the vast opportunities available in collision repair.
“For example,” he said, “we have attended the American School Counselor Association conference the past several to spread awareness about careers in skilled trades.”
How Local Collision Shops Can Get Involved
Local collision shop owners play a significant role in attracting talent by engaging with schools in their communities. Eckenrode stressed the importance of building relationships with instructors and students.
“Shops can adopt schools, donate tools and equipment, or even serve on advisory boards. It’s not just about writing a check -- it’s about showing up and making a difference,” he said.
Supporting Schools with Essential Resources
CREF also supports schools by providing the tools, equipment and supplies to run effective collision repair programs.
“Many schools operate on strained budgets and need help filling the financial gaps. We’ve partnered with companies like Cintas and local industry businesses who help sponsor uniforms to students,” Eckenrode said.
One of CREF’s key initiatives is the Benchmark Grant program, which allows collision school programs across the country to apply for additional program funding. The 2025 application process is scheduled to open Jan. 29 and close June 27, with winners announced at the SEMA Show in November.
This is another opportunity for the local industry to work with their collision school programs and ensure they are taking advantage of funding opportunities to give instructors the educational resources they need to provide a quality technical education to their students.
Creating Employment Opportunities Through Career Fairs
Connecting students with employers is a top priority for CREF. The foundation hosts career fairs nationwide, providing students with direct access to potential employers in the automotive and collision repair industries.
“We’ve seen up to 500+ students attend these events, where they meet national and local employers. It’s a win-win for both parties -- students find job opportunities, and shops find their future workforce,” Eckenrode said.
Local shop owners are encouraged to participate in these career fairs, but Eckenrode stressed that engagement shouldn’t stop there.
“Shops should actively seek out local schools using our online school locator tool. Make connections with instructors, offer to donate scrap materials or equipment, and invite students to visit your shop. These small steps can make a huge impact,” he said.
The Call to Action: Industry Engagement is Crucial for Future Success
Eckenrode’s message to the industry is clear: Get involved. Whether through scholarships, donations or simply showing up at a local school to talk to students, every bit of engagement counts.
"We’re all in this together. The future of the collision repair industry depends on the talent pipeline we build today," he said. "Industry professionals need to step up and take an active role in shaping that future."
As the application window for CREF scholarships remains open until March 6, now is the perfect time for shops to reach out to local schools and get involved in fostering the next generation of collision repair technicians.
How to Take Action
• Visit CREF’s website to learn more about the scholarship and grant opportunities.
• Use the online school locator tool to find schools in your area.
• Contact local schools and instructors to offer support through donations, advisory board participation or student mentorship. If industry members need assistance connecting with instructors, contact CREF.
• Attend career fairs and invite students to visit your shop.
For more information about CREF scholarships and grants or to find schools in your area, visit the CREF website. Together, we can ensure the collision repair industry thrives for years.
Leona Scott